Welcome to the home of the Adams County Fruit Growers Association.
The mission of the Adams County Fruit Growers Association is to promote the fruit industry of Adams County, Pennsylvania by initiating and supporting promotional programs, supporting and encouraging educational programs, growing and marketing research and development projects, and any other programs or projects that shall be of benefit to the Adams County fruit industry.
For more information, contact us.
To all members, please take note, our email address has changed! Our new email is: adamscountyfruitgrowers@gmail.com
If you send a message through the “contact us” page your message will go to the new email or you can send us a message directly.
UP COMING EVENTS:
June 2026 - English 4 Ag Spanish Speakers
The Adams County Fruit Growers and Penn State Extension are pleased to announce the 2026 Tree Fruit English4Ag – Level 1 course and hope growers will consider encouraging participation from employees.
This is a FREE, in‑person English language and workplace communication course designed specifically for Spanish‑speaking tree fruit workers.
Last year’s English4Ag programming delivered clear benefits for participating tree fruit operations by directly addressing safety risks, communication breakdowns, and workforce development challenges. Growers reported that language barriers had previously increased the risk of accidents and limited employees’ ability to follow instructions, read safety labels, and participate fully in daily operations. Following the training, employers noted stronger communication, improved safety awareness, and more confident, promotable employees, helping reduce operational risk while strengthening crew performance and retention.
You can read more about the program’s impact in this Penn State University feature: Extension program builds confidence, skills for Spanish‑speaking ag workers
https://www.psu.edu/news/agricultural-sciences/story/extension-program-builds-confidence-skills-spanish-speaking-ag-workers
Registration - Growers are encouraged to share this opportunity with employees and support their participation.
Registration must be completed by June 2, 2026.
(To register on line, Left click anywhere below on the poster)
PAST EVENTS:
ACFGA Annual Banquet- March 5th 2026
PRESIDENTS’ DAY FRUIT SCHOOL - FEBRUARY 16, 2026
aFTER HARVEST SOCIAL-NOVEMBER 8, 2025
AUGUST 8TH -17TH
Bounty of the County! In August our local farms are will be well into harvest, and this event celebrates all that Adams County growers have to offer. Local Gettysburg restaurants will serve special menu items made to showcase our area's fresh produce. Growers work hard all season long to ensure a delicious apple, peach, berry, or vegetable. Dine in a local restaurant to celebrate harvest with us! A portion of your purchase supports research and education for Adams County fruit growers. Find out more here.
2025 Distinguished Service Award-Neil Starner
At the Adams County Fruit Growers Association banquet held on March 5, 2026 Neil Starner was honored for his many contributions to the fruit industry.
Neil Starner was one of 5 children born to Miles and Dorothy Starner. He was a graduate of Biglerville High School and has been farming on the land where he lives since he was 5 years old. Apparently, that is the age that is deemed old enough to pick York drops off the ground. When Neil took over management of the farm, it was comprised of some cherries, peaches and apples. After Plum Pox swept through the county, the farm was converted to 100% apples.
Neil was lucky enough to meet his wife Laura through Laura’s older brother. They were eventually married and they have a son, Nathan, and a daughter Nicole. He’s blessed as well with 4 grandsons. Neil was apparently an astute learner, at a young age he aquired hands on skills taught by his father. As a matter of fact, he helped develop, in the early ‘90s, a bin management system that carried empty bins via tractor through the orchard for picking crews and deposited full bins as they were being picked. He was ahead of the time!!
Neil has also been a role model to look up to both in and outside of the industry. He served on the ACFGA board and was President in 2004. While serving on the board, he helped with the Apple Blossom Festival, running the apple pie eating contest as well as the apple bobbing booth! He has served on the Board of Knouse Foods for over 25 years, been an active member and served on the Church board at United Brethren in Idaville, coach of little league and serving on the FSA board.
It is an honor to present him with the 2025 Grower of the Year award. Thank you for your service.